Cricket Flour is the new source of protein in the market. It is gaining much popularity, especially among athletes, as a sustainable protein. Athletes need more energy than a normal person due to their physical training. And they need good high-quality protein which can support their activity regime and strengthen their stressed muscles.  

Cricket powder has become the next superfood due to its protein and nutrient content. It has 3 times more protein than sirloin and 2 times more than chicken. And producing it requires fewer resources, is economical, and eco-friendly.

What is Cricket Flour?

cricket powder

Cricket flour, as the name suggests, is made from crickets. The whole crickets are crushed into a fine powder with a mild, nutty flavor.

The cricket powder works as a substitute for meat. It contains all the essential nutrients and is easily digestible and sustainable. The flour is power-packed with proteins, all 9 amino acids, prebiotic fiber, iron, and vitamins B12.

An average person needs approx. 0.5-0.75 gm of protein per 500 gm of body weight. However, an athlete requires 0.8-0.85 grams of protein per 500 gm of body weight.

Buildings Blocks of Protein in Cricket Flour

The building blocks of the protein in cricket flour are amino acids. It contains all 9 amino acids making it an ideal complete protein source for health.

The 9 essential amino acids are histidine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, valine, and threonine.

Cricket Flour Nutrition

Cricket flour contains an array of nutrients as it is made from ground-up crickets.

Research shows crickets are 65% protein by weight, have more Iron than beef, and contain higher calcium than milk [1]. It is also rich in Vitamin B12,  B2, and all 9 amino acids.

Cricket powder is a good source for muscle building and strengthening, stabilizing blood sugar levels, weight management, etc.

The nutrition profile of cricket powder includes:

  • 65% protein (by volume)
  • 9 essential amino acids
  • 15% more Iron (than spinach)
  • Fiber
  • Vitamin B12
  • Vitamin B2
  • Calcium (higher than milk)
  • Gluten-free

Cricket Flour Benefits

cricket flour

The health benefits of consuming cricket flour are endless. Let us have a look in detail.

It is Environmental Friendly

It is one of the most sustainable proteins. Farming cricket requires minimum infrastructure, resources, and food compared to other animals like cows and pigs. A small cricket farm can produce tons of crickets annually.

Gives a Feeling of Fullness

A protein diet makes you feel full compared to a carbohydrate or fat diet. Athletes who need more energy for a longer duration can rely on cricket powder.

It is helpful if you want to lose weight, as it reduces your appetite level, and you may not feel hungry for a long time.

Boosts Metabolism

Consuming a protein-rich diet regulates your appetite and boosts metabolism. It happens because of the thermic effect in which the body uses energy to absorb, digest, and dispose of nutrients.

If you want to lose some extra pounds, you should switch to a protein-rich diet as it helps to raise the metabolic rate.

Strengthens and Maintains Muscles

Proteins help in strengthening your muscles and maintaining muscle mass. It also prevents muscle deterioration.

To increase muscle mass in your body, you need to increase your protein intake.

Helps with Muscle Recovery and Growth

If you are doing strenuous workouts daily, you should consume a protein-rich diet that helps build and strengthen muscle growth.

High-quality protein containing all amino acids helps strengthen muscle growth and recovery after endurance and resistance training.

Faster Recovery from Injury

Sometimes it takes a long time for natural healing and causes inflammation and muscle loss. This further leads to immobilization. Eating a high protein diet can trigger the muscle to repair itself and speed up recovery.

Improves Gut Health

The study shows cricket powder contains probiotic fiber that helps reduce systematic inflammation and irritable bowel diseases.

It also helps with a stronger immune system, more energy, and better overall health.

Good Source of Vitamin B12

Cricket flour is a rich source of vitamin B12. One serving of cricket powder contains 17% of the daily requirement for vitamin B12 [2].

Vitamin B12 helps to maintain energy levels in the body, prevents memory loss, helps the nervous system to work properly, and supports heart health [3].

 It is Gluten-Free

Cricket flour is gluten-free and hence can be easily digestible. Many people have allergies to white and wheat flour as they are hard to digest.

Cricket powder helps to improve digestion, reduces weight loss, increases energy levels, and improves thyroid problems [4].

Helps in Reducing Weight

Research suggests that cricket flour helps in losing weight. It is high in proteins making you feel full, i.e., you will feel less hungry. Cricket powder is an excellent way to replace a high-carb and high-fat diet. It contains only  0.8 gm of carbs per serving.

Risks

Although consuming cricket powder daily in your diet is safe. However, you should refrain from eating if you are allergic to shellfish [5].

Cricket Flour Taste

cricket flour

The taste of cricket flour is simple and nutty. It is suitable for sweet and savory food as it can easily disguise itself with other ingredients and flavors.

In other words, it has a subtle earthly taste.

Cricket Flour vs. Regular Flour

Cricket flour has become the favorite protein for celebrities and athletes due to its nutrient value and other health benefits. It is high in proteins and low in carbohydrates and fats than regular flour.

Cricket powder helps in providing more energy for a longer duration. And it also aids in losing weight as you feel fuller.

Regular flour contains more carbs and is unsuitable for people with gluten allergies. In contrast, cricket flour is gluten-free and suitable for everyone.

Bottom Line

Cricket flour is 100% made up of crickets with no added flavors or junk. It is power-packed with proteins and other nutrients like Vitamin B12, Vitamin B2, Iron, calcium, and all 9 essential amino acids.

It has become a popular choice for athletes as a sustainable healthy protein.

Always buy cricket flour from reliable manufacturers for the quality and safety of the product.

Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.

Editorial References And Fact-Checking

  • Murugu, D. K., Onyango, A. N., Ndiritu, A. K., Osuga, I. M., Xavier, C., Nakimbugwe, D., & Tanga, C. M. (2021). From Farm to Fork: Crickets as Alternative Source of Protein, Minerals, and Vitamins. Frontiers in nutrition8, 704002. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.704002
  • Kamemura, N., Sugimoto, M., Tamehiro, N., Adachi, R., Tomonari, S., Watanabe, T., & Mito, T. (2019). Cross-allergenicity of crustacean and the edible insect Gryllus bimaculatus in patients with shrimp allergy. Molecular immunology106, 127–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2018.12.015
  • Stabler, S. P., & Allen, R. H. (2004). Vitamin B12 deficiency as a worldwide problem. Annual review of nutrition24, 299–326. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.nutr.24.012003.132440
  • O’Leary, F., & Samman, S. (2010). Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients2(3), 299–316. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2030299
  • Mansueto, P., Seidita, A., D’Alcamo, A., & Carroccio, A. (2014). Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: literature review. Journal of the American College of Nutrition33(1), 39–54. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2014.869996

Authors

  • Sarika Moghe

    With her Master in Business Adminstration (MBA), Sarika has explored numerous industries and picked up valuable experiences and skills along the way. She is now a professional content writer and meditation instructor who enjoys helping and empowering people to get deeper in touch with their physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Sarika also has experience as a social media manager and research and marketing professional, which equips her to communicate effectively through her articles. LinkedIn

  • Kim Monasterial, BSN

    Kim is a Registered Nurse and has been a medical freelance writer for more than six years. Starting off as a writer, Kim moved to proofreading and editing all the articles posted on HealthPlugged. She’s an enthusiast for health and wellness, being one to keep herself fit and adventurous for outdoor activities. LinkedIn

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With her Master in Business Adminstration (MBA), Sarika has explored numerous industries and picked up valuable experiences and skills along the way. She is now a professional content writer and meditation instructor who enjoys helping and empowering people to get deeper in touch with their physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Sarika also has experience as a social media manager and research and marketing professional, which equips her to communicate effectively through her articles. LinkedIn